Olympic inspiration to drive on young people

On Saturday, canoeists Jon Schofield and Liam Heath, who won bronze in the K2 200m event during last year’s London 2012 Olympics, joined members of Leamington Canoe Club’s junior racing group after their training session. After giving a presentation, the medallists ran a question and answer session for the youngsters at the club, which has seen an increase in membership over the past year - something that its coaches are putting down to the national Olympic effort.

And on Wednesday last week, former professional swimmer Ross Davenport, who was part of Team GB during London 2012, spent time working with pupils at Kineton High School from year 11 up to sixth form on helping them motivate themselves to succeed as they prepare to take their GCSE and A-level exams.

He also found time to watch the school’s current inter-house indoor athletics competition, ‘The Race’ - and sign autographs at breaktime.

Ross also brought along his Commonwealth Games gold medal for pupils to see.

Anyone interested in joining Leamington Canoe Club, which is just off Adelaide Road, should call 07970 905297 or find out more online.

Sessions for people of varying levels and beginners take place on weekend mornings and some weekday evenings.

rlscc.com